Dose: 1 part of flower to 100 parts of water, or a syrup; 30 – 50 g. doses. As emetic, dose 40 – 50 grains. Externally: For Eczema.
VIRGINIA SNAKEROOT Aristolochia serpentaria, L.( N. O.: Aristolochiaceae)
Common Names: Red River Snake Root, Texas Snake Root, Sangrel, Sangree Root, Birthwort, Serpentaria. Features: Virginia snakeroot is a perennial plant found in hilly woods of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and the southwest states, Louisiana to Texas, of the U. S. A. The root is fibrous and of a brown colour, has numerous stem scars and bears a dense tress of branching roots about 3 in. long, with a gingery, aromatic, identifiable fragrance; bitter taste. The one or more erect, zigzag jointed stems are 1 – 2 ft. high, with a purplish colour near the plants base. The leaves are oblong and about 3 in. long and 1 in. wide. June and July finds the few purple or dull-brown flowers in bloom, attached to short stems which. come from the root.
VIRGINIA SNAKEROOT Aristolochia serpentaria, L.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
Solvents: Alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Tonic, Nervine. Uses: The action of Virginia snakeroot is so prompt that it has a great reputation for snake bites, hence its name. This is a pure stimulant whose action is mainly employed in diverting the flow of blood outward; and for this reason it is largely employed in eruptive diseases before the appearance of outward manifestations are noticed. It rids the system of any offending matter by producing perspiration and supporting the vital forces. As a nerve stimulant it acts very promptly and is much used in depressed or exhausted conditions of the nervous system, especially in the latter stages of smallpox, scarlet fever and pneumonia. The influence on the circulation will also be felt by the whole arterial system as the heart’ s impulse becomes stronger and fuller. The often suppressed menstruation due to colds will be brought about by 5 – 10 drops of V. snakeroot tincture in Pennyroyal tea. Also for cold extremities of hands and feet due to general receding of blood from the surface. The cold infusion is used for strengthening purposes and it may be drunk freely and is often employed with good effect in dyspepsia, croup, throat and kidney congestion and renal torpor. In proper doses it stimulates appetite and digestion in indicated conditions. In large doses, however, it is irritant, causing vomiting, vertigo, purging, etc.